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Since 2000 and every three years after, Cooper Hewitt has hosted the National Design Triennial featuring works from different disciplines within the field of design, simultaneously examining its current state. From architecture, products to fashion, graphics, new media, and landscapes, the Triennial is the largest and most anticipated exhibition the museum showcases. It has taken place in 2003 and 2006 but oddly enough was absent in 2009. Whatever the situation may be, it returns this year focused on “addressing human and environmental problems.” Couple this with the successful opening of Rodarte’s exhibit and the appointment of its new director, Bill Moggridge, Cooper Hewitt is poised to revitalize the city’s interest in the museum. There’s very little information released so far on the Triennial, it is scheduled to open during ICFF weekend on May 14.

The relationship between heritage and contemporary brands can be a delicate affair. A pairing too unconventional can spell disaster. Equal parts respect and understanding, however, can yield extraordinary results. Now in its third season, the partnership between Florsheim and Duckie Brown continues with their Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Set for an August release, the line stays true to what Duckie Brown do best – giving Florsheim’s classic silhouettes a quirky, updated twist.

Our preview of this season’s 10 styles is nothing short of what makes this collaboration a success. Borrowing mostly from the Florsheim archive, Daniel Silver and Steven Cox of Duckie Brown have produced exceptionally unique designs ranging from the popular monochromatic Brogue and Suede Loafer to newer designs like the cap toed Straight Tip and Idler – a calf suede chukka boot with crepe soles. Color remains a hallmark of the line as use of Cherry Red and Electric Blue punctuate the richer, deeper Browns, Dark Green, and Navy. In the tradition of fine craftmanship, milled leathers, genuine Horween Cordovan, and Goodyear welt construction are employed. Additionally, this collection marks their first use of wooden soles – an effective complement to the slimmer cut silhouettes. Standouts of the collection, still, are the boots – the Brogue, Tall Brogue, and Welder Brogue strike the perfect chord with us.

The Standard Hotel has given Creative Time a stage in which to exhibit art, their rooms. Not in the form of a painting on the wall or a mural, but on the television sets. Beginning today, guests will be able to watch video artworks on The StandART Channel on demand. Creative Time has been asked to curate this exhibit and have enlisted nine different artists to participate. From Marilyn Minter’s “Green Pink Caviar,” to Lee Walton re-enacting Facebook statuses of his friends, the exhibit straddles the line between high art and entertainment. Watch the StandART Channel’s teaser on YouTube or check into one of the rooms to see more.

A visually energized publication, a highly successful website, weekly podcasts, curated series of talks, and a studio based in London, no we’re not talking about Monocle but the incredibly talented duo behind It’s Nice That. Just shy of three years, Will Hudson, Alex Bec and the team have created something wonderful, a reservoir of information from a heard of creatives covering different industries. It’s Nice That publishes its magazine twice a year featuring interviews and works from designers, photographers, and artists. They recently announced the contents of issue three. Contributions from Geoff McFetridge, Interviews with Tom Dixon, Milton Glazer, and Paul Smith and works from Charley Harper, A2/SW/HK, and many others. One of the best parts of it is the 128 page magazine is completely ad free. Issue three won’t be out until April 1st but if you pre-order before the launch, you’ll receive an original large-scale print from Parra. Pre-order here. See what’s inside after the jump.

Chris Cunningham has been away from the public eye for the better part of the last decade with only a handful of commercial and public appearances. His career was a lot more prolific in the 1990s when he teamed up with Warp Records and other musicians to direct some of the most memorable music videos. In 2005, Cunningham performed live for the first time at Electraglide, a two day music festival in Tokyo and Osaka, arranging original and remixed music to film. The performance proved to be a success and was followed up with other events several years later, teaming up once again with Warp. He is now set to recreate his cross visual and audio performance at this year’s SOS4.8, the 48 hour non-stop music, art, and conference festival based in Murcia, Spain. The festival takes place on April 30 and May 1st. Travel more!

Last week Spike Jonze and Lance Bangs appeared after the screening of Tell Them Anything You Want at the IFC theater. Needless to say that tickets were quickly sold out. If you missed the opportunity you’ll have a second chance this evening when both directors will join John Hodgman at Union Square’s Barnes & Noble promoting the release of the documentary. This also coincides with the release of Where The Wild Things Are. Lance Bangs and Spike Jonze in conversation starts at 7pm. Barnes & Noble 33 East 17th Street, New York.